THE SIX WIVES OF HENRY VIII

I'm pretty familiar with this album, but not expert level. I know the "Excerpts" from Yessongs much better. As I am sure most, if not all of you know. Each track represents one of the six wives of Henry VIII, and that this is a fully instrumental album. As the saying goes: "Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived."

Track 1 - Catherine of Aragorn

The spirited opener. An up-tempo display of keyboard wizardry from maestro Wakeman. One of the best-known tracks on the album, although the shortest track. Not sure if the track length corresponds at all with the length of time that each wife remained married to the King. Part of the Yessongs Excerpts.

Track 2 - Anne of Cleaves

Up-tempo again, but somewhat playful. If I am not mistaken, Anne of Cleaves initially wielded a great deal of influence with Henry?until she didn't. This one is a bit more frantic in its pace and delivery.

Track 3 - Catherine Howard

Begins with a dignified, stately theme, that is interspersed with more up-tempo flourishes. Much of this track appears in the Yessongs Excerpts. Later in the track, we get a more jazzy-honky-tonk style, before returning to a more classical feel. The original theme comes back in a more orchestrated way.

Track 4 - Jane Seymour

Starts very quietly, with one of the main themes gradually easing its way in. A pipe organ centered piece. Sometimes menacing sounding, others a dazzling display of skill. Synths join in about halfway through. Also part of the "Excerpts." The second shortest track on the album.

Track 5 - Anne Boleyn "The Day Thou Gavest Lord Hath Ended"

A very dramatic intro, followed by nimble piano work. Then grandiose orchestration and even a choir doing sustained harmonized "ahhs". A jazzier section follows. Then more nimble piano work leads into a great crescendo. And closes with more brilliant piano playing.

Track 6 - Catherine Parr

After a grand intro, Wakeman switches to a Hammond organ and once again shows why he's considered one of the greatest keyboardists ever. At around 3 minutes in, we get a mysterious minor key riff, before changing to major key bells. Then we get a segment where all other instruments drop out, and the lone keyboard sounds quite distant. Return to the Hammond for impressive keyboard agility, though eventually be overlaid with the "mysterious" riff from earlier. Leading into the big finish.

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS:

This may be a fairly short album, but it clearly shows just how amazing Wakeman's playing is. I would use this as an introduction to anyone who is not familiar with his incredible playing. A masterpiece! 5/5 stars.